Emma Bundy, an assistant site manager who had overcome being homeless, fell to to her death on the A379 at Sandy Park on February 1, at around 1.20am, Exeter Coroners Court heard
An inquest is being held into the tragic death of a 24-year-old woman who slipped and fell from a bridge in Exeter after attending a work event.
Emma Bundy, an assistant site manager, fell to to her death on the A379 at Sandy Park on February 1, at around 1.20am. According to a short hearing at Exeter Coroners Court, she was being helped by a member of the public while she was on the bridge after appearing in a “distressed state.”
Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Devon, said: “The circumstances are that Emma was attending a work event at Sandy Park. Concerns were raised for her welfare when she was seen in a distressed state on the footbridge over the A379.
“A member of the public called the emergency services and tried to assist her. Unfortunately, Emma slipped off the bridge landing on the road below. Emergency services attended and sadly declared her deceased at the scene. There are no suspicious circumstances. The precise medical cause of death has not yet been ascertained.”
The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing to be held at a later date. According to police, the emergency services were called to the bridge at around 12.45am on February 1. Tragically, after Emma fell from the bridge, she was hit by an oncoming vehicle, reported DevonLive.
A 45-year-old man from Exmouth was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He was released on bail pending further enquiries which have now concluded. A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “There will be no further action taken against the man who was arrested. The matter will not be proceeded with.”
The road was closed for a number of hours while an investigation was carried out. Officers have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam footage to come forward.
In 2022, Emma’s achievements in the construction industry were praised. At the time, she was said to be an apprentice assistant site manager at Vistry South West, which builds properties for Bovis Homes and Linden Homes. She was living with her mum and their dog, Cleo, and told of how she previously overcome homelessness and was a carer for her mum.
She said: “I feel very lucky to finally be at this stage in my life as it’s been a real struggle. My mum and I were homeless for two years and I was desperate to turn things around but I had no idea what I wanted to do.
“I’d worked as a delivery driver, a maintenance manager at a holiday park and a painter and I was keen to do as many courses as possible – anything that opened doors for me. I undertook a plastering apprenticeship and achieved an NVQ level two qualification but it was challenging as I had to wake at 5am each morning to walk to the train station.
“One teacher, Grant Johnson, kindly told me about an eight week bricklaying course where I met Vistry’s CEO, Greg Fitzgerald – who started as an apprentice – and it really spurred me on. I was delighted when an apprenticeship opened up at Vistry and grabbed it with both hands.”
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
